Date Posted: 02/13/2024

Workers need exit routes clearly marked and unlocked exit doors during a fire or another emergency. Emergency exits serve to provide an unencumbered route away from danger. No matter the environment, emergency exit routes and designated escape paths must be provided in an emergency. Unfortunately, emergency exits are often not identified and communicated to workers on construction sites, resulting in the potential for incidents and injuries. Additionally, emergency exits that are not maintained can provide additional dangers when needed.

What is an Exit Route?

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), an exit route is “a continuous and unobstructed path of exit travel from any point within a workplace to a place of safety.” An exit comprises a vertical or horizontal means of travel, such as a doorway, stairway, ramp, corridor, or passageway. Types of permissible exits are doors leading directly outside or through a protected passage to the outside, smoke-proof towers, interior and outside stairs, ramps, and escalators in existing buildings. An exit route consists of three parts:

Exit access: a part of an exit route that leads to exit discharge.
Exit: an area that provides a protected way of travel to the exit discharge.
Exit discharge: the part that leads directly outside or to a street, walkway, refuge area, public way, or open space with access to the outside.

An emergency exit route is shown with an icon of a person traveling to the exit route.

Communicating the Availability of Emergency Exits

Emergency planning and exit routes are vital in ensuring workers' safety on a construction site. Correctly identifying and educating all individuals on their whereabouts can lead people to safety in the event of an emergency. All workers should be adequately trained on emergency exit procedures, and evacuations should be routinely practiced.

Managers and supervisors must orientate newly hired employees and all visitors to the location of emergency exits.
Emergency exit maps should be reviewed with all workers during their site orientation and whenever the route is modified or changed for any reason.

Best Practices to Maintain Emergency Exits

Provide an adequate number of exit routes for all workers on site. The number of exit routes should consider the site's location, size, and arrangement.

Establish and communicate procedures for emergency alarms. Ensure that all site workers are familiar with the alarm in the case of an emergency.
Keep exit routes free of all clutter, equipment, locked doors, and dead-end corridors.
Be sure to keep highly flammable furnishings and decorations safe from emergency exits.
Arrange exit routes so employees will not travel past high-hazard areas unless necessary.
All exits must be marked adequately. Post signs along the walls indicating safe evacuation routes, and be sure paths are well-lit.
Clearly label doors that can be mistaken for an exit with a sign reading “Not an exit” or indicating the room’s use, such as “Closet.”
Maintain safe exit routes during construction, maintenance, and repairs.
Signage indicating emergency exits should always be visible and not blocked with objects identifying their locations.
Employees should refrain from storing or stacking materials anywhere near emergency exits where workers’ ability to exit could be hindered.
Minimize danger to workers while they use emergency exits. Extension cords, tools, debris, and other trip hazards should not be placed in emergency exit routes.
In accordance with WAC 296-155-17309 maintain exit routes and employee alarm systems.
Ensure that exit routes are large enough to accommodate all workers needing to exit. Ensure that no objects, tools, or equipment stick out into designated exit routes.
Emergency exits should be inspected regularly to ensure safe access and use.
Ensure that an assembly area is designated and that all personnel on site are aware of the assembly area.